The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has indefinitely shut down its schools, health facilities and parish in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, citing repeated attacks on its properties and personnel.
The diocese also ordered the withdrawal of priests, religious personnel, teachers, medical workers and other staff, saying it can no longer guarantee their safety.
The decision was announced by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William A. Avenya, and the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, in a pastoral letter and decree dated October 12, 2026.
According to the letter, students’ hostels at St. Winifred Secondary School, Ihugh, were set ablaze on four occasions: October 28, 2025; May 10, 2026; May 15, 2026; and October 11, 2026.
“Over a considerable period, the Catholic institutions in Ihugh have suffered repeated disturbances, attacks and acts of destruction,” Avenya said.
He said the attacks destroyed students’ accommodation and years of investment, and exposed students, teachers and other staff to serious danger.
The bishop also cited repeated burglaries at St. Winifred Parish and criminal incidents at St. Thomas Hospital.
The letter further recalled that some community members displayed placards and chanted slogans demanding the withdrawal of Reverend Sisters during the hospital’s reopening on June 21, 2024.
The diocese described the incidents as a pattern of hostility that has left workers and people who rely on its services fearful.
Avenya said the diocese had tried to resolve the situation through meetings with traditional rulers, community elders, civil authorities and security agencies, but the engagements did not yield the desired results. This, he said, led to the decision to close the institutions and withdraw personnel.
The affected facilities are St. Winifred Secondary School; St. Winifred Nursery and Primary School; St. Thomas Hospital; Salus Mind Care Centre and Hospital Chaplaincy; and St. Winifred Parish, Ihugh.
The closures will remain in force indefinitely. The bishop said students would be assisted to continue their education in other Catholic institutions, while patients at St. Thomas Hospital will be referred to other hospitals and affected staff redeployed.
The diocese said the measures were necessary to protect its personnel and those who depend on its educational, medical and pastoral services.
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